Record: 23 – 8 – 1
Wins:
15 (T)KOs ( 65.22 %)
5 Submissions ( 21.74 %)
3 Decisions ( 13.04 %)
Losses:
4 (T)KOs ( 50 %)
4 Submissions ( 50 %)

Weight: 242lbs (110kg), City: Barnsley, Gym: ???

Georgian born Tengiz Tedoradze is a bit of an old school UKMMA legend. He was arguably the best wrestler in the domestic heavyweight division, throwing opponents effortlessly and then mauling them with devastating ground and pound. Getting “Tengizzed” became forum-speak for opponents getting a beasting at the hands of world champion Greco Roman wrestler.

With 14 wins in his first 16 fights (both losses coming by way of triangle – one at the hands (or legs) of none other than strikeforce star fabricio werdum – he became a force to be reckoned with and gained a cult following in the UK. He had an unknown background which only added to his mystique and appeal to the avid followers of UKMMA at the time. Fans often debated whether he was georgian secret police, an ex-bodyguard to the georgian prime minister and whether he even trained MMA at all or just liked to get in the cage now and then and put the hurt on somebody!

As far as fellow tournament competitors go: He has wins over Rob Broughton and James Thompson but lost his most recent fight (back in 2008) to Martin “the ox” Thompson.

Whilst he remains a firm favourite one could argue that the numbers are against Tengiz in this tournament. He is easily the oldest combatant at 43 years of age. He hasn’t fought in nearly 2 years and MMA has moved on a LOT since his heyday with everyone being much more skilled in all ranges of the game.

For me personally, the jury is out on Tengiz doing well in this tourney, but the old school fan in me would love to see him rampage through this tournament with his trademark slams and viscious G’N'P. If he is anything like the Tengiz of old then the other fighters still have a lot to fear from the “Barnsley Gladiator”.

*for a blast from the past.. check out this old 2003 interview from SFUK:*